COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - The three men Columbus police say are responsible for the murder of a barbershop owner say they did not do it

Edward Lee, Demetrice Scott and Danteviouse Doleman appeared in court Monday for the January 5 shooting death of barbershop owner Charlie Artis Jr., but investigators revealed the men were involved in several more crimes.

Police say the three men were identified by several witnesses on the scene of the shooting. Witnesses pin pointed Edward Lee as the actual shooter, Demetrice Scott as the driver of the getaway car, and Danteviouse Doleman as a passenger in that car.

"I'm really happy they caught the individuals that killed my friend. I'm glad justice is being served," said Patrick Irish, a long-time friend of Artis.

Irish says he met the victim, Charlie Artis Jr., in middle school and the two had remained close friends until his murder, "He was an outgoing guy. He would have done anything for anybody. He was just such a good guy. He was a great friend and he will be truly missed."

Not only was the trio facing charges in the barbershop murder, but in court it was revealed the three men were linked to at least five more crimes, including a home invasion, rape, armed robberies, aggravated assault, auto thefts and burglaries.

Lee, Scott, and Doleman have actually been in jail since January 19 for other crimes, and police have recently named them the main suspects in Artis's January 5th murder thanks to new evidence.

Irish told News Leader 9, "I was amazed. I am just glad that these criminals are being brought to justice and justice is being served. It was a terrible thing they did and it was just terrible."

Doleman entered a not guilty plea and waived his right for a preliminary hearing. Lee and Scott also plead not guilty.

All three men will be held in the Muscogee County Jail without bond and their case will be bound over to Superior Court.